Triton RAT: Python-Based Malware Targeting Roblox

Last month, I investigated a case where my son lost access to their Roblox account containing over $100 worth of limited items. The culprit wasn’t a weak password or phishing link—it was Triton RAT, a Python-based malware that’s becoming increasingly common. What makes this threat particularly concerning is its ability to bypass two-factor authentication by stealing browser cookies, leaving even security-conscious Roblox players vulnerable. Having analyzed dozens of samples in our lab, I’ll walk you through how this threat works, what it steals, and the exact steps to remove it from your system.

How Triton RAT Works: From Infection to Account Theft

What sets Triton RAT apart from typical malware is its laser focus on Roblox players and its use of Telegram for command and control. Based on our incident response cases, most infections begin when kids download what they believe is a Roblox mod, game hack, or Robux generator.

The malware authors distribute their payload through Discord servers, YouTube video descriptions, and fake game sites. Once executed, it immediately begins hunting for Roblox session cookies while establishing multiple ways to survive system restarts.

The most dangerous aspect is how it handles the stolen .ROBLOSECURITY cookie. This session token allows attackers to instantly access accounts without needing passwords or bypassing two-factor authentication. Within minutes of infection, the stolen credentials are sent through encrypted Telegram channels to the attacker.

How to Know if You’re Infected

Based on the dozens of cases I’ve investigated, here are the real warning signs that your system has been compromised by Triton RAT:

• Missing Roblox items or unauthorized trades – Often the first sign is items disappearing from your inventory
• Webcam light activating randomly – Triton can secretly record through your webcam
• Windows Defender disabled – The malware actively disables security tools
• Strange new files – Check for “ProtonDrive.exe” or suspicious VBScript files
• Unexplained system slowdowns – Particularly when typing (due to keylogging)

Most victims I’ve worked with notice unauthorized Robux purchases or item trades first. By that point, the malware has typically been active for several days.

Common Files:	ProtonDrive.exe, updateagent.vbs, check.bat, watchdog.vbs
Location:	C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Programs\Proton\Drive
What It Steals:	Roblox cookies, browser passwords, screenshots, webcam recordings, keystrokes
Detection Names:	Trojan.Python.RAT, Backdoor.Win32.Triton, Trojan.Win32.RobloxStealer

The Technical Side: What Makes Triton RAT Effective

Having reverse-engineered several Triton RAT samples, I can tell you this isn’t a typical script kiddie tool. Its code reveals professional-level techniques for evading detection while efficiently extracting valuable data.

The malware has three key components that make it particularly dangerous:

1. Browser password decryption – It can extract passwords from Chrome, Edge, Firefox and other browsers
2. Telegram command and control – This encrypted channel makes it harder to detect than traditional C2 servers
3. Multi-layer persistence – It creates multiple ways to restart, making complete removal challenging

Inside Triton’s Cookie Theft Process

Here’s what happens when Triton hunts for Roblox cookies on your system:

The code reveals how Triton systematically checks every major browser for Roblox session cookies. Once found, it immediately transmits them to the attacker through Telegram, where they can be used to access accounts.

The Persistence Problem: Why It’s Hard to Remove

When I help victims clean their systems, the biggest challenge is Triton’s multiple persistence mechanisms. If you miss even one, the malware reinstalls itself.

This script creates scheduled tasks, disables Windows Defender, and hides folders to avoid detection. It’s designed to survive even if you find and delete the main executable.

Removing Triton RAT: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you suspect your system is infected, follow these steps exactly. Having helped dozens of victims remove this malware, I can tell you that skipping steps often leads to reinfection.

Step 1: Disconnect and Isolate

First, immediately cut the malware’s communication channel:

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disable Wi-Fi
2. If possible, put your device in Airplane Mode
3. Don’t log into any accounts until cleanup is complete

Step 2: Boot Into Safe Mode

Safe Mode prevents many of Triton’s components from starting:

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings
2. Go to Update & Security > Recovery
3. Under “Advanced startup,” click “Restart now”
4. After restart, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart
5. When prompted, press F4 to start in Safe Mode

Step 3: Remove the Malware

For thorough removal, use specialized security software:

Once installed:

1. Run a Full System Scan to detect all malicious components
2. Let the scanner check all directories, especially hidden ones
3. When it finds Triton components, select all for removal
4. Allow the program to restart your computer if needed

Step 4: Clean Up Persistence Mechanisms

Even after running anti-malware software, check for these remnants:

1. Remove suspicious scheduled tasks:
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator
   • Run: schtasks /query /fo LIST | findstr /i "update"
   • Look for tasks like “Windows Update Assistant”
   • Delete them with: schtasks /delete /tn "TaskName" /f
2. Check and delete the malware folder:
   • Navigate to C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Programs\
   • Delete the entire “Proton” folder if it exists
3. Check for hidden VBScript files:
   • Look for “updateagent.vbs” and “watchdog.vbs” in System32 and your user profile
   • Delete any suspicious scripts you find

Step 5: Secure Your Accounts

After cleaning your computer, take these steps to secure your accounts:

• Reset your Roblox password immediately from a different, clean device
• Enable 2FA on your Roblox account if not already active
• Log out of all sessions using Roblox’s security settings
• Check for unauthorized transactions in your purchase history
• Report any unauthorized trades to Roblox support
• Change passwords for any other accounts you accessed from the infected computer

Real-World Incident: How Jacob Lost His Roblox Inventory

I recently worked with a family whose son, Jacob, lost over $200 worth of limited Roblox items. The infection started when Jacob downloaded what he thought was a game exploit from a Discord server. Within hours, his rare items were traded away to multiple accounts.

What made this case particularly interesting was that Jacob had two-factor authentication enabled. The attackers used his stolen .ROBLOSECURITY cookie to bypass it completely. By the time his parents contacted me, the malware had been active for three days, also stealing his parents’ stored credit card information from browser passwords.

We successfully removed the infection using the steps outlined above. While Roblox support was able to restore some of the stolen items, many had already been traded multiple times through “mule” accounts. The case highlights why prevention is so important with this particular threat.

Protecting Kids from Triton RAT

Based on the cases I’ve handled, here are the most effective ways to keep children safe from this threat:

Protection Strategy	Implementation
Educate about “free Robux” scams	Explain that legitimate Robux only come from the official Roblox platform and gift cards
Set up parental controls	Use Microsoft Family Safety or similar tools to limit which programs can be installed
Keep software updated	Enable automatic updates for Windows, browsers, and applications
Install trusted security software	Use reputable anti-malware with real-time protection like Trojan Killer
Set up a dedicated gaming account	Create a limited user account without admin privileges for gaming
Monitor for suspicious downloads	Regularly check the Downloads folder and recently installed programs
Discuss Discord safety	Explain the risks of clicking links or downloading files from Discord servers
Use Roblox’s PIN feature	Set up an account PIN to prevent unauthorized purchases and trades

Similar Threats to Watch For

Triton RAT is part of a growing trend of malware targeting gaming platforms. Here are similar threats our security team is tracking:

• Lilith RAT — Another Python-based RAT with similar capabilities that targets multiple gaming platforms beyond just Roblox
• HEUR Trojan Script Generic — A family of script-based trojans often used in the initial infection stage before dropping more specific malware
• Wacatac Trojan — A persistent backdoor that often targets gamers and can enable further malware installations

For Security Professionals: Detection Methods

If you’re a security researcher or IT professional, here are specific ways to detect Triton RAT on your network:

Network Indicators

Look for these traffic patterns:

• Connections to api.telegram.org, especially POST requests to bot endpoints
• Outbound connections to pastebin.com or similar services from unexpected clients
• DNS queries for telegram-related domains from systems that shouldn’t be using it
• Downloads from cloud storage services like Dropbox using PowerShell

YARA Rule for Detection

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Triton RAT represents a significant evolution in threats targeting young gamers. Its ability to steal Roblox security cookies and bypass two-factor authentication makes it particularly dangerous, especially when combined with its use of legitimate services like Telegram for command and control.

If you suspect infection, act quickly by disconnecting from networks and following the removal steps outlined above. Then secure your accounts by changing passwords and enabling additional security features. For parents, the best defense remains education—teaching children about download safety and the reality that legitimate Robux never come from third-party sites or “generators.”

By understanding how this threat works and the warning signs to watch for, you can better protect your family’s devices, accounts, and valuable digital items from this increasingly common threat.